Argus Leader Opinion Panel: Advice for graduates

What advice would you give high school seniors as they graduate this month?

“Stop worrying about what your major is or will be! No matter what anyone else tells you, they don’t really know what their life path will look like. I’m 51 and still undecided on my life’s ‘major.’ Start enjoying the fantastic journey right now, and leave all the (imaginary) destination stuff alone. I have been a wife for 31 years, a mom for 27, a grandma for one, and a lawyer for 25. Time streaks by faster and faster once you graduate from high school. Do not miss a minute of it!”

— Shari Langner

“My advice for high school seniors is: Go out and change the world! Please! It’s kinda messy and needs more thinkers and less reactive people vs. proactive people!”

— Robert Ruf

“Don’t assume you have your whole life planned. Things will happen along the way that are not expected nor wanted. That is part of life. And don’t project your current self into the future. You will be a changed person in a short time. Have some goals in mind, but don’t be disappointed if it doesn’t go as expected. Life is a trip, enjoy the ride.”

— Jimi Sweeney

“My advice would be, don’t base your education decisions around your friends and family. One can rack up thousands of dollars of debt by going to college for something you have no interest in. By listening to yourself, it gives you the priceless experience of navigating life on your own.”

— Jordan Goeman

“Go after your dreams. Life is a journey, enjoy it. Do something, instead of saying, ‘I wish I had …’ My children went for their dreams, and they are successful and happy. I have two that are scientists and one in business.”

— Wes Garcia

“Seniors: College is harder than the ‘real world,’ so study hard. Start exercising now when your tuition probably includes a free fitness center. Make sure people are actually hiring in the field you’re majoring in (if you want an art or history degree, change majors or drop out). Get that haircut you’ve always wanted between major holidays, when Grandma won’t see it. Sweatpants everywhere is not acceptable.”

— Kyle Vanhove

The Argus Leader Opinion Panel is a group of readers who have volunteered to offer opinions on issues of local interest. You can read their views in the newspaper as well as online in our live chats, “100 Eyes” discussions and on our Facebook page. If you have a suggested discussion topic, let us know at editor@argusleader.com. And join them in the conversation at argusleader.com.